The Australian Team Stays Tight-Lipped on Second Test XI, Door Wide Open for Pat Cummins' Return

The starting XI for the upcoming Brisbane Test is still a mystery under 24 hours out from the opening delivery in the Gabba, with a final assessment of the playing surface required before the Australian selectors name a squad that might feature Pat Cummins.

Acting Captain Steve Smith Leaves Door Open for Surprise Recall

Acting skipper Steve Smith spoke to an waiting press on the eve of the Test but was keeping quiet about the precise composition of the lineup. Yet, he kept the possibility alive a shock return for Cummins, who was unavailable for the series opener due to a back injury.

“He seems quite impressive to me, the way he’s been bowling in practice,” Smith remarked. “Naturally the game is different, but he’s coming along well, he understands his fitness.”

Late Inclusion Remains a Possibility

The quick was originally omitted in Australia’s larger group for the Brisbane Test, but still travelled to Brisbane to continue his recovery with the group. Smith said he was improving nicely and might still be included at the final moment.

“We’ll wait and see but like I said, he’s near,” the captain continued. “His rehabilitation has been his work the recent period and we’ll see after three o’clock when we assess that surface whether he’s an option or not.”

Selection Dilemmas Loom if Cummins Plays

A return to the side for Cummins, which was in doubt just a short time back, would lead to recent Test player Brendan Doggett or even experienced spinner Nathan Lyon losing their place.

Smith refused to guarantee Lyon’s place in the team when questioned about the spinner's inclusion.

“Uncertain,” he replied. “We’ll look at the wicket as I said and sum things up from there. Here’s a place Nathan has performed brilliantly in the previous matches, he’s a world-class spinner. We must evaluate the choices and see how we go.”

Batters Awaiting Recall

Josh Inglis will also have to find out whether he has earned a recall. The batter is the leading candidate to be included in place of the unfit Usman Khawaja, with Travis Head expected to take the opening spot again after his century in Perth.

“Several scenarios are on the table,” Smith commented. “We’ll wait and see what the pitch is like and from there we’ll finalize a playing XI.”

“[Inglis] is obviously a very aggressive batsman,” Smith said. “Did really well on his first Test in Sri Lanka, he’s been in excellent touch... He handles pace really nicely. So if he gets the nod I’m sure he’ll perform admirably for us.”

Last-Minute Decision Pending

Along with Inglis, Beau Webster is in the mix to be selected at number six, on the assumption that Head opens the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, and the all-rounder moves up to No 5.

Smith indicated a final decision on the XI could be made later on Wednesday, but alternatively, it may wait until the Thursday. The match starts at the Brisbane Cricket Ground at 2pm local time (1500 AEDT) on tomorrow.